U.S. patent number 5,461,546 [Application Number 08/005,808] was granted by the patent office on 1995-10-24 for connecting apparatus for connecting portable computers.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Kel Corporation. Invention is credited to Masami Honda, Takashi Hosoi, Takaichi Kobayashi, Kazuya Shibasaki, Kazuyoshi Takahashi.
United States Patent |
5,461,546 |
Kobayashi , et al. |
October 24, 1995 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Connecting apparatus for connecting portable computers
Abstract
A function expanding apparatus for a compact electronic device
includes a casing having a supporting portion and a supporting
plate attached to the casing to be movable in a predetermined
direction. A pair of retaining portions are formed on the
supporting plate. The rear portion of the electronic device is
mounted on the supporting portion and is positioned in its width
direction by a pair of positioning members provided at the
supporting portion. The front end portion of the electronic device
is mounted on the supporting plate and the retaining portions
engage the front edge of the electronic device so as to restrain
the movement of the electronic device in the depth direction
thereof. The position of the retaining portion is adjusted by
moving the supporting plate, in accordance with the depth of the
mounted electronic device.
Inventors: |
Kobayashi; Takaichi
(Itsukaichi, JP), Shibasaki; Kazuya (Hamura,
JP), Hosoi; Takashi (Oome, JP), Honda;
Masami (Oome, JP), Takahashi; Kazuyoshi (Tami,
JP) |
Assignee: |
Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
(Kawasaki, JP)
Kel Corporation (Tokyo, JP)
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Family
ID: |
27459394 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/005,808 |
Filed: |
January 19, 1993 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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627738 |
Dec 14, 1990 |
5182698 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Dec 15, 1989 [JP] |
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1-144810 |
Feb 12, 1990 [JP] |
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2-31207 |
Apr 13, 1990 [JP] |
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2-98441 |
Nov 29, 1990 [JP] |
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2-333055 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
361/796;
361/679.44; 361/679.55; 361/752; 361/785; 361/802; 708/100 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F
1/1632 (20130101); Y10S 345/905 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
1/16 (20060101); H05K 007/14 () |
Field of
Search: |
;361/752,747-749,758,759,785-788,796,801-803 ;174/260 ;364/708,900
;340/700 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Picard; Leo P.
Assistant Examiner: Whang; Young
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Oblon, Spivak, McClelland, Maier
& Neustadt
Parent Case Text
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/627,738, filed on
Dec. 14, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,182,698.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A connection apparatus for connecting a portable computer
wherein said computer includes data input means for inputting data,
a front end portion, a rear bottom surface, and a back surface
having a first connector, said connection apparatus comprising:
a mounting surface for mounting the rear bottom surface of the
portable computer while the front end portion of the portable
computer projects from the mounting surface;
a connector mounting portion including an upper front surface
facing the back surface of the computer when the portable computer
is mounted on the mounting surface, and a second connector
removably connected to the first connector; and
a lever movable between a first position for connecting the first
and the second connectors to each other and a second position for
releasing the connection between the first and second
connectors.
2. A connection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
mounting surface includes a tapered surface for tilting the data
input means toward the front end portion when the portable computer
is mounted on the mounting surface.
3. A connection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein data input
means having a keyboard.
4. A connection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising
a lock member for releasably locking the lever in the first
position.
5. A connection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising
a storing portion removably storing an expansion board.
6. A connection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second
connector is movable between a third position for connecting the
second connector to the first connector and a fourth position for
releasing the connection between the first and the second
connectors.
7. A connection apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second
connector is moved from the fourth position to the third position
in response to the movement of the lever from the second position
to the first position.
8. A connection apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising
a preventing member for preventing the portable computer from
slipping toward the front end portion when the second connector is
connected to the first connector.
9. A connection apparatus for connecting a portable computer
wherein said computer includes a keyboard, a front end portion, a
rear bottom surface, and a back surface having a first connector,
said connection apparatus comprising:
a mounting surface for mounting the rear bottom surface of the
portable computer while the front end portion of the portable
computer projects from the mounting surface, the mounting surface
including a sloped portion for tilting the keyboard toward the
front end portion when the portable computer is mounted on the
mounting surface;
a connector mounting portion including an upper front surface
facing the back surface of the computer when the portable computer
is mounted on the mounting surface, and a second connector
removably connected to the first connector; and
a lever movable between a first position for connecting the first
and the second connectors to each other and a second position for
releasing the connection between the first and second
connectors.
10. A connection apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the
keyboard has a longitudinal axis.
11. A connection apparatus according to claim 10, further
comprising a pair of positioning portions for positioning the
portable computer in a direction of the longitudinal axis when the
portable computer is mounted on the mounting surface.
12. A connection apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising
a pair of guide pins for guiding the connection of the first and
the second connectors.
13. A connection apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second
connector is movable between a third position for connecting the
second connector to the first connector and a fourth position for
releasing the connection between the first and the second
connectors.
14. A connection apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the
second connector is moved from the fourth position to the third
position in response to the movement of the lever from the second
position to the first position.
15. A connection apparatus according to claim 14, further
comprising a preventing member for preventing the portable computer
from slipping toward the front end portion when the second
connector is connected to the first connector.
16. A connection apparatus for connecting a portable computer
wherein said computer includes a front end portion, a rear bottom
surface, a pair of side walls, a keyboard having a longitudinal
axis, and a back surface having a first connector, said connection
apparatus comprising:
a mounting surface for mounting the rear bottom surface of the
portable computer while the front end portion of the portable
computer projects from the mounting surface, the mounting surface
including a sloped portion for tilting the keyboard toward the
front end portion when the portable computer is mounted on the
mounting surface;
a connector mounting portion including an upper front surface
facing the back surface of the computer when the portable computer
is mounted on the mounting surface, and a second connector
removably connected to the first connector;
a lever movable between a first position for connecting the first
and the second connectors to each other and a second position for
releasing the connection between the first and second connectors;
and
a pair of positioning portions for positioning the portable
computer in a direction of the longitudinal axis when the portable
computer is mounted on the mounting surface.
17. A connection apparatus according to claim 16, further
comprising a positioning member for positioning the portable
computer in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
18. A connection apparatus according to claim 16, further
comprising a pair of guide pins for guiding the connection of the
first and the second connectors.
19. A connection apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the
second connector is movable between a third position for connecting
the second connector to the first connector and a fourth position
for releasing the connection between the first and the second
connectors, the second connector is moved from the fourth position
to the third position in response to the movement of the lever from
the second position to the first position.
20. A connection apparatus according to claim 19, further
comprising a preventing member for preventing the portable computer
from slipping toward the front end portion when the second
connector is connected to the first connector.
21. A connection apparatus for connecting a portable computer
wherein said computer includes a front end portion, a rear bottom
surface, a pair of side walls, a keyboard having a longitudinal
axis, and a back surface having a first connector, said connection
apparatus comprising:
a mounting surface for mounting the rear bottom surface of the
portable computer while the front end portion of the portable
computer projects from the mounting surface, the mounting surface
including a sloped portion for tilting the keyboard toward the
front end portion when the portable computer is mounted on the
mounting surface;
a connector mounting portion including an upper front surface
facing the back surface of the computer when the portable computer
is mounted on the mounting surface, and a second connector
removably connected to the first connector;
a lever movable between a first position for connecting the first
and the second connectors to each other and a second position for
releasing the connection between the first and second
connectors;
a pair of positioning portions for positioning the portable
computer in a direction of the longitudinal axis when the portable
computer is mounted on the mounting surface; and a pair of
positioning pins for positioning the portable computer in a
direction of the longitudinal axis when the first and second
connectors are connected to each other by the movement of the lever
from the second position to the first position.
22. A connection apparatus according to claim 21, wherein each of
the pins is provided at the connector mounting portion.
23. A connection apparatus according to claim 22, wherein each of
the pins is movable between a projecting position wherein the pin
projects from the upper front surface and a storing position
wherein the pin is substantially stored in the connector mounting
portion.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a function expanding apparatus
adapted to be connected with a portable compact electronic device,
such as a laptop personal computer or word processor, thereby
expanding the function of the electronic device, and also relates
to a connector unit suitable for the apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
A compact electronic device has predetermined functions. If it
requires further functions, it is used with a function expanding
apparatus which is designed to ensure those additional functions.
This expanding apparatus adapted to be fitted with the electronic
device so that signals can be transferred between the two.
One such expanding apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,769,764. This apparatus comprises a housing which has a fitting
recess as large as a compact electronic device. The whole
electronic device is mounted in the recess so as to be removable
from the front side of the recess. In this arrangement, the
respective connectors of the expanding apparatus and the electronic
device are connected to each other by plug-in connection. Thus, the
compact electronic device is mounted on the expanding apparatus
when it is used.
Since the fitting recess has the same size as the compact
electronic device, however, the aforesaid conventional expanding
apparatus is unsuited for use with other compact electronic devices
which are different in depth, so that the range of its application
is narrow.
Conventionally, the expanding apparatus and the electronic device
are connected by means of a signal cable which is fitted with a
plug-in connector on each end thereof. More specifically, they are
connected by manually inserting a connector of the cable into that
of the expanding apparatus or the electronic device.
In another known arrangement for connection, an expanding apparatus
is fixedly fitted with a plug-in connector and an insertion guide
continuous therewith, and a connector attached to the rear portion
of a compact electronic device is connected directly to the
connector of the expanding apparatus by means of the insertion
guide.
In making connection according to the former arrangement, however,
the connector of the signal cable must be grasped in hand, so that
the connection work is troublesome. If the connectors have a large
number of terminals, moreover, a great force is required to
disconnect them manually from each other. Further, the connection
or disconnection work requires a wide working space. When mounting
the compact electronic device, which has the connector on its rear
face, on the front portion of the expanding apparatus, therefore,
it is difficult to secure the working space. Thus, this arrangement
is not practical.
On the other hand, the latter arrangement for connection is used on
the assumption that the position of the connector on the side of
the electronic device relative to the connector of the expanding
apparatus is fixed. Therefore, if this premise is not valid, that
is, if the location of the connector of a electronic device is
least deviated from that of the connector of the compact electronic
device adapted for this arrangement, the connectors cannot be
connected. Thus, the range of application of the expanding
apparatus is limited.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been contrived in consideration of these
circumstances, and its object is to provide a function expanding
apparatus and a connector unit for compact electronic devices,
which permit various types of compact electronic devices with
different sizes to be mounted for use.
In order to achieve the above object, a function expanding
apparatus according to the present invention comprises a casing
containing therein a circuit board for function expansion, the
casing having a bearing portion for bearing the rear portion of an
electronic device in a manner such that the front portion of the
electronic device, including a front edge portion, extends in a
predetermined direction from the casing; an apparatus-side
connector provided on the casing, connected electrically to the
circuit board, and removably connected to the connector of the
electronic device set on the bearing portion; and means for holding
the electronic device on the bearing portion in a manner such that
the connector of the electronic device is connected to the
apparatus-side connector, the holding means including a retaining
portion for engaging the front edge portion of the electronic
device on the bearing portion, and a connecting portion connecting
the retaining portion to the casing so that the retaining portion
is movable in the predetermined direction.
According to the present invention, the casing is fitted with a
connector unit in a position to face the connector exposed to the
rear face of the electronic device, which is positioned on the
casing, in order to make the attachment and detachment of the
compact electronic device easy and to reduce an impact given by the
attachment or detachment work. The unit includes a connector
holder, which is fitted with a slider capable of reciprocating in
the direction to approach and leave the connector on the side of
the electronic device. Further, the holder is provided with an
operating portion for moving the slider, and the slider is fitted
with the apparatus-side connector which is adapted to be removably
inserted into the device-side connector for connection.
In order to prevent the connectors from being damaged when the
compact electronic device mounted on the expanding apparatus is
carelessly lifted, moreover, the holder of the connector unit has
fitting pieces on its lower surface which are adapted to removably
engage the edge of a fitting portion in the casing, the fitting
pieces being preferably formed of an elastic material.
In mounting the compact electronic device on the expanding
apparatus of the invention, the holding means is first drawn out
forward for a suitable distance from the casing, and the electronic
device is then mounted from above the casing. In doing this, the
rear portion of the electronic device is placed on the bearing
portion of the casing, and its front edge is engaged with the
holding means. Thereupon, the electronic device has its rear
portion supported on the bearing portion, and is restrained from
moving forward, i.e., in the direction to cause the connectors to
be disengaged, by the holding means. Thus, the electronic device
can be mounted and held in position on the casing.
Since the holding means is movable in the depth direction with
respect to the casing, its position can be aligned with the front
edge portion of each of various types of compact electronic devices
with different depths, whose rear portion is placed on the bearing
portion, by adjusting the distance of the movement of the holding
means. Thus, various types of compact electronic devices can be
mounted on the expanding apparatus.
The connector of the compact electronic device thus mounted on the
casing is connected with the apparatus-side connector by plug-in
connection. By doing this, signals are allowed to be transferred
between the expanding apparatus and the electronic device.
As the compact electronic device is mounted and positioned with
respect to the casing, moreover, the connector of the electronic
device and the connector of the expanding apparatus are opposed to
each other. These two connectors are plug-in-connected to each
other by moving the slider, with the apparatus-side connector
thereon, toward the electronic device by means of the operating
portion of the connector unit, using the connector holder as a
guide. The connected connectors can be disengaged from each other
by moving the operating portion in the direction opposite to the
moving direction for the connection. As the slider is moved away
from the electronic device by doing this, the apparatus-side
connector is drawn out from the device-side connector. In the
attachment or detachment of the connectors described above, the
electronic device need not be moved, so that high operating
efficiency can be enjoyed, and the impact produced by the
attachment or detachment work can be reduced.
Since the compact electronic device mounted on the expanding
apparatus can be moved upward for the removal from the apparatus,
it may possibly be lifted without disconnecting the two connectors
from each other.
In such a case, a disengaging force acts on the fitting pieces of
the connector holder during the removal of the electronic device.
If this force exceeds a predetermined level, the fitting pieces
undergo elastic deformation to be disengaged from the edge of the
fitting portion of the casing. In this manner, the connected
connectors can be prevented from being subjected to an
overload.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set
forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious
from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be
realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and
combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute
a part of the specification, illustrate presently preferred
embodiments of the invention, and together with the general
description given above and the detailed description of the
preferred embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles
of the invention.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a compact
electronic device adapted to be mounted on a function expanding
apparatus according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 to 23 show a function expanding apparatus according to an
embodiment of the invention, in which:
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the expanding apparatus with
its supporting plate drawn out and a compact electronic device
disengaged therefrom,
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the expanding apparatus fitted with
the compact electronic device,
FIG. 4 is a side view of the expanding apparatus,
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a casing cleared of its cover,
FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a positioning member,
FIG. 7 is a bottom-side perspective view of the expanding apparatus
with its supporting plate drawn out,
FIG. 8 is a partial plan view showing a stopper mechanism
incorporated in a base of the casing,
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the stopper mechanism taken along
line XI--XI of FIG. 8,
FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the stopper mechanism taken along
line X--X of FIG.
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the stopper mechanism taken along
line XI--XI of FIG. 8,
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a connector unit with its
cover omitted,
FIG. 13 is a front view showing the connector unit with its cover
omitted,
FIG. 14 is a rear view showing the connector unit with its cover
omitted,
FIG. 15 is a side view showing the connector unit with its cover
omitted and with a handle on the rear side,
FIG. 16 is a side view showing the connector unit with its cover
omitted and with the handle on the front side,
FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the unit taken along line XVII--XVII
of FIG. 13,
FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a connector taken along line
XVIII--XVIII of FIG. 13,
FIG. 19 is a sectional view showing an arrangement for mounting the
connector unit,
FIG. 20 is a sectional view showing the connector unit attached to
the casing,
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a cable protection cover,
FIG. 22 is a sectional view of a handle stopper mechanism of the
connector unit, and
FIG. 23 is a plan view of the handle stopper mechanism; and
FIGS. 24 to 28 show a function expanding apparatus according to a
second embodiment of the present invention, in which:
FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the apparatus and a compact
electronic device adapted to be mounted thereon,
FIG. 25 is a sectional view showing a connector unit of the
apparatus,
FIG. 26 is a partially cut-away plan view of the connector
unit,
FIG. 27 is a side view showing the compact electronic device
mounted on the apparatus, and
FIG. 28 is a side view showing another compact electronic device
with a shorter depth mounted on the apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 2 shows a function expanding apparatus according to a first
embodiment of the invention and a personal computer 1 for use as a
compact electronic device to which the expanding apparatus is
applied. The computer 1 has a rectangular plane shape and is of the
size A4. Generally, it is called a notebook- or book-type personal
computer. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the computer 1 comprises a
battery pack 2, which is removably attached to the rear portion of
a housing 8, and a flat-panel display unit 3 situated in front of
the pack 2. The display unit 3 has a pair of pivotal projections 4
rockably connected to pivot portions 5 of the housing 8, whereby
the unit 3 can swing up and down around the portions 5.
The computer 1 further comprises means to input data such as a
keyboard 7, which is located in front of the housing 8, and is
adapted to be concealed when the display unit 3 is closed. A
connector 6 is provided on the rear portion, e.g., rear face, of
the housing 8. This connector is of a plug-in type having a large
number of terminals 6a arranged side by side. Normally, the
connector 6 is concealed under a cover (not shown) which is
removably attached to the rear face of the housing 8. If necessary,
the connector 6 can be exposed to the back of the housing by
removing this cover.
As shown in FIG. 2, the computer 1 has a width-direction size A and
a depth-direction size B. The function expanding apparatus 11 may
be connected with various types of compact electronic devices whose
width-direction sizes A are equal and whose depth-direction sizes B
are different. In this case, the respective connectors 6 of these
electronic devices have the same construction, and are mounted in
the same position.
The following is a description of the function expanding apparatus
11 to which the personal computer 1 is removably attached as
required.
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the expanding apparatus 11 comprises a
plastic casing 12, which is formed of a substantially rectangular
base 13, a cover 14, and a rear plate 15. The cover 14 overlies the
base 13, and the rear plate 15 is mounted so as to close a rear
opening (not shown) defined by the base 13 and the cover 14.
A plurality of modular circuit boards 16 for function expansion are
arranged horizontally in the casing 12. The circuit boards 16
include one for personal computer communication, one for memory,
one mounted with a hard disc drive, etc. Besides the circuit
boards, an AC adapter (not shown), exhaust fan, and the like are
housed in the casing 12.
As shown in FIG. 5, the electrical parts, including the circuit
boards 16, AC adapter, etc., are concealed under a shield cover 17.
A rectangular fitting hole 18 is formed in the upper surface of the
front portion of the cover 17. The hole 18 is used to mount a
connector unit mentioned later. In FIGS. 2 and 3, numeral 19
denotes a power cord having a feeder plug at its extreme end which
is adapted to be inserted into a power socket 9 (see FIG. 1) of the
computer 1. The cord 19 is led out from one side face of the casing
12.
The front portion of the casing 12 serves as a supporting portion
21 which carries thereon the rear portion of the computer 1. Thus,
the cover 14 is stepped so that its front side is lower in level
than its rear side, with respect to a step portion 14a. The
supporting portion 21 is defined by a top wall 21a on the front
side and the step portion 14a. The top wall 21a declines to the
front side.
A positioning member 20 having a projection 22 in the shape of a
truncated pyramid is provided on each side of the upper surface of
the top wall 21a. The distance C (see FIG. 2) between the
respective roots of the paired projections 22 is substantially
equal to the width A of the computer 1. The positioning members 20
are used to restrain the crosswise movement of the rear portion of
the computer 1, thereby positioning the computer 1 crosswise with
respect to the expanding apparatus. The step portion 14a abuts
against the rear face of the computer 1 on the supporting portion
21, thereby restraining the rearward movement of the computer.
Thus, the members 20 and the step portion 14a constitute
positioning means for positioning the rear portion of the computer
1 with respect to the expanding apparatus.
Although each positioning member 20 may be formed integrally with
the cover 14, it is attached as an independent member to the cover
14 in the case of the present embodiment. In order to lessen damage
or impact at the time of mounting, the member 20 is formed from a
synthetic resin softer than the material of the cover 14. FIG. 6
shows the way the member 20 is mounted on the top wall 21a.
Each member 20 is provided integrally with a receiving plate 23
which, adjoining the base of a positioning side face 22a of the
projection 22, is adapted to carry the computer 1 thereon. Hooks 24
protrude integrally from the receiving plate 23 and the lower end
of the projection 22. These hooks 24 are inserted individually into
slits 25 in the top wall 21a of the cover 14 so as to be caught by
the edges of the slits. Thus, each positioning member 20 is mounted
on the upper surface of the top wall 21a which constitutes the
supporting portion 21. In FIG. 6, numeral 26 denotes a recess in
which a projection (not shown) on the lower surface of the rear
portion of the computer 1 is allowed to be fitted. The function
expanding apparatus can be made applicable to compact electronic
devices with different width-direction sizes A by mounting the
positioning members 20 on the top wall 21a so that the distance C
between the projections 22 can be adjusted.
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, 7 and 8, the bottom of the casing 12 is
formed flat, and four legs 27 are attached individually to the four
corners of the bottom. Also, the bottom of the casing 12 is fitted
with a rectangular plastic supporting plate 31, which can be drawn
out forward from the casing in the direction of arrow D. A pair of
parallel guide plates 32 are screwed to the outer surface of the
bottom wall of the casing 12. These plates 32, which are formed of
synthetic resin, extend in the depth direction of the casing 12 or
in the direction of arrow D. The supporting plate 31 is attached to
the casing 12 for movement in the direction of arrow D so that its
right and left side edge portions are fitted individually in groove
portions formed between the outer surface of the bottom wall and
the guide plates 32.
A retaining projection 33 is located on each side of the rear end
portion of the supporting plate 31, and a step portion 34 is formed
at the front end portion of each groove portion so that it can
engage its corresponding projection 33. As the projections 33
engage their corresponding step portions 34, the plate 31 can be
prevented from being excessively drawn out forward from the casing
12.
A pair of retaining portions 35 are formed on either side of the
front edge of the supporting plate 31. Each portion 35 is formed by
upwardly bending a flange integral with the plate 31. As mentioned
later, these retaining portions 35 engage the front edge portion of
the computer 1 on the supporting portion 21, thereby restraining
the forward movement of the computer relative to the casing 12. A
rubber plate 36 is pasted on each retaining portion 35 and a front
part of the supporting plate 31 continuous therewith.
A stopper mechanism 41 for restraining the movement of the
supporting plate 31 is disposed in the casing 12. The following is
a description of this mechanism 41.
As shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the stopper mechanism 41 includes a
metallic guide plate 42 which is located on the base 13 of the
casing 12 so as to extend in the width direction thereof. The guide
plate 42 is formed having a horizontal portion 42a, which is
screwed to the inside of the front portion of the base 13, and a
vertical portion 42b rising upward from the front end of the
portion 42a. Placed on the upper surface of the horizontal portion
42a is an elongated metallic slider 43 which can slide in the
longitudinal direction of the guide plate 42. The slider 43 has a
U-shaped cross section. A slot 44 extending in the depth direction
of the casing 12 is formed at the left-hand end portion (FIG. 8) of
the slider 43, and a coil spring 45 is stretched between the
right-hand end of the slider and the guide plate 42. The spring 45
urges the slider 43 in the direction of arrow E of FIG. 8. A
rocking lever 47 is mounted on the slot-side end portion of the
guide plate 42 by means of a pivot 46. A shaft portion 48, which is
attached to one end portion of the lever 47, is fitted in the slot
44, and a movable shaft 49a of a release button 49 abuts against
the other end portion of the lever 47. The button 49, which is
provided at one side wall of the base 13, can be pressed from the
outside of the casing 12.
Thus, when the release button 49 is depressed, the movable shaft
49a causes the rocking lever 47 to rock in the direction of arrow F
of FIG. 8. Thereupon, the metallic slider 43 is moved in the
direction of arrow G of FIG. 8 on the guide plate 42, against the
urging force of the coil spring 45. When the depression of the
button 49 is discontinued, the slider 43 is restored to its
original state (shown in FIG. 8) by means of the urging force of
the spring 45.
Plastic stoppers 50 (only one of which is shown) are attached
individually to the two opposite end portions of the guide plate
43. A pair of parallel guide shafts 51 are set up on a stopper
mounting portion of the guide plate 43, and the stopper 50 is
fitted on the shafts 51 for up-and-down motion. The stopper 50 is
provided integrally with a stopper projection 52, which projects
downward through a hole 13a in the bottom wall of the base 13, and
a cam follower 53 opposed to the upper surface of the slider
43.
A spring bearing plate 54 is mounted on and between the respective
upper end portions of the paired guide shafts 51. A leaf spring 55
is interposed between the bearing plate 54 and the upper surface of
the stopper 50, and is welded to the plate 54. In FIGS. 9 and 10,
numeral 56 denotes a retaining ring which is fixed to each guide
shaft 51 to position the spring bearing plate 54. The spring 55
continually urges the stopper 50 downward.
A pair of cams 57 (only one of which is shown) are mounted on the
metallic slider 43, corresponding to the stoppers 50. The cam 57,
which is made of synthetic resin, has a slanting cam surface 57a,
as shown in FIG. 11. As the slider 43 reciprocates, the cam surface
57a approaches and leaves the cam follower 53 of the stopper 50,
thereby moving the stopper up and down. When the surface 57a is
disengaged from the follower 53, the stopper 50 is lowered by means
of the urging force of the leaf spring 55.
Part of the guide plate 42 is raised upright to form a retaining
piece 58. The piece 58 has a slit (not shown) which extends in the
sliding direction of the metallic slider 43, and is fitted in a
slot 59 of the slider 43. As the retaining piece 58 and the slot 59
engage each other, the slider 43 is located in a locked position
shown in FIG. 8, and is also restrained from moving back and forth
or upward. In the locked position, each cam 57 has its flat surface
57b opposed to the cam follower 53.
As shown in FIG. 9, the lower part of the front face the stopper
projection 52 of each stopper 50 is in the form of a slanting
surface 52a. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, moreover, a large number of
engaging grooves 60, which are releasably engaged with the lower
end portion of the projection 52, and one retaining groove 61 are
formed on each side portion of the supporting plate 31 with respect
to the width direction thereof. The engaging grooves 60 are
arranged at predetermined pitches P in the sliding direction D of
the plate 31, and the profile of each groove 60 is identical with
that of the lower part of the stopper projection 52. As shown in
FIG. 9, therefore, a slanting surface 60a is formed on the front
side of each engaging groove 60. The retaining groove 61, which is
designed in the same manner as each engaging groove 60, is located
in front of the row of engaging grooves 60 at some distance from
the front end thereof.
When the supporting plate 31 is pushed in toward the casing 12 from
the drawn-out state shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the stopper 50 is
pushed up against the urging force of the leaf spring 55 by the
action of the slanting surfaces 52a and 60a. Thus, the supporting
plate 31 can be pushed in with ease. In contrast with this, the
engagement between the stopper projections 92 and the engaging
grooves 60 prevents the plate 31 from moving in the direction to be
drawn out from the casing 12. Accordingly, the supporting plate 31
is prevented from being unexpectedly drawn out. The release button
49 is depressed as the plate 31 is drawn out. When the button 49 is
depressed, the metallic slider 43 slides in the direction of arrow
G. Thereupon, each stopper 50 is pushed up by the slanting surface
57a of the cam 57, so that the stopper projections 52 are
disengaged from the engaging grooves 60. As a result, the
supporting plate 31 is allowed to be drawn out.
As shown in FIG. 8, indexes 63 and 64 are provided near each row of
engaging grooves 60 on the upper surface of the supporting plate
31. These indexes 63 and 64 are used as rough standards for the
distance of draw-out of the plate 31 which depends on the depth B
of each compact electronic device attached to the expanding
apparatus 11.
When the function expanding apparatus 11 is off duty, the
supporting plate 31 is fully pushed in toward the casing 12, that
is, into a retracted position where the plate 31 is concealed under
the bottom of the casing 12, as shown in FIG. 4. When the
supporting plate 31 is in the retracted position, the projection 52
of each stopper 50 engages its corresponding retaining groove 61,
thereby locking the supporting plate. In this manner, the housed
supporting plate 31 is prevented from being carelessly pushed out
forward. As shown in FIG. 7, moreover, two leaf springs 62 are
screwed to the rear end portion of the bottom surface of the base
13 when the supporting plate 31 is pushed into the retracted
position, the springs 62 are pushed to be bent by the rear end edge
of the plate 31, thereby producing an urging force to push out the
plate 31 forward. If the release button 49 is depressed when the
supporting plate 31 is drawn out, therefore, the springs 62 press
the plate 31 forward, thereby reducing the force required for the
draw-out of the plate 31.
The casing 12 is fitted with a connector unit 71 which is situated
in a position to face the connector 6 of the computer 1 set on the
supporting portion 21. Referring now to FIGS. 12 to 23, this unit
71 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 12 to 17, the connector unit 71 is provided with
a connector holder 72 made of sheet metal. The holder 72 has a
horizontally extending rectangular bottom plate 72b and right- and
left-hand side plates 72b set up individually on the opposite side
edges of the bottom plate and facing each other. A horizontal guide
slit 73 is formed in each side plate 72a so as to open at the front
end thereof. A slider 74 made of sheet metal is mounted in the
holder 72 so as to be able to reciprocate in the depth direction of
the apparatus. The slider 74 is formed of a flat plate located
parallel to the bottom plate 72b of the holder 72, and its opposite
end portions are bent at right angles toward the plate 72b.
Further, the slider 74 has overhanging pieces 75 which protrude
horizontally from its opposite end portions. As these pieces 75 are
inserted individually into the guide slits 73 of the holder 72, the
slider 74 is supported in the holder so as to be movable, guided by
the slits 73.
The respective lower ends of right- and left-hand arms 77 of a
handle 76, for use as an operating portion, are rockably mounted on
the side plates 72a of the connector holder 72 by means of pivots
78, individually. A slot 79 is bored through the middle portion of
each arm 77 so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the
arm 77. A projecting piece 80, which protrudes integrally from the
extreme end of each overhanging piece 75, is inserted in the slot
79. Thus, the slider 74 is reciprocated in the depth direction with
respect to the holder 72 by rocking the handle 76 back and
forth.
The distance Y from each pivot 78 as a fulcrum of the handle 76 to
the extreme end (point of force) of the handle 76 is set longer
than the distance X from the pivot 78 to the center (point of
action) of each corresponding slot 79. Based on this relationship
between the distances X and Y, the slider 74 can be subjected to a
great moving force by rocking the handle 76 with a relatively small
operating force.
The slider 74 supports a plug-in connector 81 having a large number
of terminals 81a. This connector 81 on the side of the expanding
apparatus can be fitted into the computer-side connector 6 for
connection. In order to secure the plug-in connection with the
connector 6, in the present embodiment, the connector 81 is
floatingly mounted on the slider 74.
In order to mount the connector 81 in this manner, leaf springs 82
and 83 are attached to the lower surface of the slider 74 and the
bottom plate 72b of the connector holder 72, respectively, so that
the connector 81 is elastically held between the extreme ends of
the springs 82 and 83 in the vertical direction. Besides, a tension
spring 86 is stretched between a spring bearing portion 84, which
is formed by bending the front portion of each end portion of the
slider 74, and a spring bearing portion 85, which extends from the
rear portion of its corresponding end portion of the connector
81.
In order to position the floating connector 81 with respect to the
slider 74, a pair of angular holes 87 are bored through the top
wall of the slider 74, and a pair of pins 88 protruding from the
upper surface of the connector 81 are passed through the holes 87,
as shown in FIG. 12. The front edge of each angular hole 87 is
V-shaped, and each corresponding pin 88 is engaged with the corner
portion of the V. Each pin 88 is pressed against the V-shaped
corner portion of the hole 87 by the urging force of the tension
springs 86. Through the engagement between the respective front
edges of the angular holes 87 and the pins 88, the rearward moving
force of the slider 74 can be transmitted to the connector 81.
In order to push out the connector 81, thereby allowing it to be
connected to the connector 6, a downward flange 89 is formed on the
center of the rear portion of the slider 74. The flange 89, which
faces the central portion of the rear face of the connector 81,
transmits the forward moving force of the slider 74 to the
connector 81. Thus, the connector 81 can be moved parallel without
tilting when it is inserted into the connector 6. If the flange 89
is omitted, the rear edge of each angular hole 87 which is opposite
to the V-shaped front edge can transmit the forward moving force of
the slider 74 to the connector 81 by engaging its corresponding pin
88.
Guide pins 90 protrude forward from the opposite sides of the front
portion of the connector 81, individually. Before the connectors 6
and 81 are connected to each other, the respective tip end portions
of the pins 90, which are tapered, are inserted individually into
holes 91 (see FIG. 1) in a metal fixture for the connector 6. The
holes 91 open on an end face of the metal fixture when the guide
pins 90 are inserted individually into the holes 91, the floating
connector 81 is moved and accurately positioned with respect to the
connector 6. As shown in FIG. 18, each pin 90 is urged forward by
means of a coil spring 92 which is contained in the connector 81.
In connecting the connectors 6 and 81 to each other, the pins 90
are pushed in rearward lest they hinder the connection.
A base plate 93 made of sheet metal is fixed to the lower surface
of the bottom plate 72b of the connector holder 72. A large number
of fitting hooks 94 protrude from the lower surface of the plate
93. The hooks 94, which are each formed by bending a leaf spring,
protrude individually from the underside of the front edge and the
right- and left-hand edges of the base plate 93. As shown in detail
in FIG. 19, each fitting hook 94 is formed of a tapered insert
portion 94a and an engaging recess portion 94b continuous with each
other.
The connector unit 71 is attached to the casing 12 of the expanding
apparatus 11 by engaging the fitting hooks 94 with the fitting hole
18 (see FIG. 5) of the casing. In doing this, the hooks 94 are
first aligned with the hole 18, and then pushed into the hole 18.
Thereupon, the respective insert portions 94a of the fitting hooks
94 are inserted into the fitting hole 18 while undergoing elastic
deformation. At the same time, the engaging recess portions 94b are
elastically pressed against an edge 18a of the hole 18. Thus, the
connector unit 71 is mounted on the casing 12. Naturally, in this
mounted state, the base plate 93 and the shield cover 17 are
connected electrically to each other by means of the fitting hooks
94, so that the connector unit can be electromagnetically shielded.
Since the hooks 94 are elastically deformable, as described above,
the connector unit 71 can be disengaged from the fitting hole 18 to
be prevented from being damaged if it is subjected to an excessive
drawing force by mistake.
As shown in FIG. 20, one end of a signal cable 95 is connected to
the connector 81. The cable 95 is led from the connector 81 into
the casing 12 through a through hole 110 in the bottom plate 72b of
the holder 72 and the base plate 93 and the fitting hole 18 of the
shield cover 17. The other end of the cable 95 is connected to the
circuit boards 16 in the casing 12 by means of a connector 112. The
cable 95 is so long that it cannot be partially drawn out from the
hole 18 to have its other end portion subjected to a load as the
connector unit 71 is removed.
A cable protection cover 114 is attached to the lower surface of
the base plate 93. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the cover 114 has a
semicylindrical shape and is formed of an insulating elastic sheet,
such as polyvinyl chloride. Both side edges of the cover 114 are
bent inward to form flanges 115, individually. A passage hole 116
is bored through the cover 114. The cover 114 is attached to the
base plate 93 in a manner such that its flanges 115 are screwed to
the lower surface of the base plate, and is situated inside the
fitting hooks 94. The signal cable 95 extends through the inside of
the cover 114 and the passage hole 116 after passing through the
through hole 110. Thus, each hook 94 and the cable 95 are isolated
by means of the cover 114, so that the cable 95 can be prevented
from being caught in between the hooks 94 and the edge 18a of the
fitting hole 18 of the casing 12 when the connector unit 71 is
fitted to the hole 18.
As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the principal part of the connector
unit 71 is covered by means of a plastic cover 96, and the handle
76 is also concealed under a plastic handle cover (not shown). The
cover 96 is formed having escape slits 96a which allow their
corresponding arms 77 of the handle 76 to move. A guide groove 98
is formed in the top wall of the cover 96, and a locking knob 99 is
fitted to the groove 98 so as to be slidable from side to side.
A stopper plate 100, which is located inside the cover 96, is
screwed to the locking knob 99. The plate 100 is formed of a leaf
spring, whose one end portion 100a can be inserted into one of the
guide slits 73 of the holder 72. Thus, the one end portion 100a can
hinder the rocking motion of the handle 76 by projecting into the
path of travel of one of the arms 77 of the handle 76.
After the handle 76 is rocked in a direction such that the
connector 81 projects from the holder 72 (see FIG. 16), the stopper
plate 100 is moved in the direction of arrow H of FIGS. 22 and 23
by means of the locking knob 99. Thereupon, the one end portion
100a of the plate 100 is inserted into the one guide slit 73 to be
situated behind the one arm 77 of the handle 76, so that the handle
is prevented from rocking rearward. A projection 101 is formed
integrally on the inner surface of the top wall of the cover 96.
The other end portion of the stopper plate 100 forms a bent end
portion 100b which is adapted to get over the projection 101. The
moment the one end portion 100a is inserted into the one slit 73,
the end portion 100b gets over the projection 101, thereby
regulating the movement of the stopper plate 100.
The following is a description of steps of procedure for setting
the computer 1 to the function expanding apparatus 11 constructed
in this manner.
First, the supporting plate 31 is drawn out forward from the casing
12. This is done while the release button 49 is being depressed.
More specifically, when the button 49 is depressed, the rocking
lever 47 is rocked in the direction of arrow F of FIG. 8, and at
the same time, the shaft portion 48 in the slot 44 moves the
metallic slider 43 in the direction of arrow G of FIG. 8 by pulling
it. Thereupon, the cam surface 57a of the cam 57 raises each
stopper 50 through the medium of the cam follower 53, so that the
projection 52 of the stopper 50 is disengaged from the retaining
groove 61. As a result, the supporting plate 31 is pushed out
forward by the urging force of the leaf springs 62. Thereafter, a
user pulls out the plate 31 forward along the guide plates 32,
etc.
The distance of draw-out of the supporting plate 31 is suitably
selected depending on the depth B of the compact electronic device
to be connected. This selection is made with reference to the index
63 or 64. After the plate 31 is drawn out in this manner, the
release button 49 is released from the depression. As a result, the
metallic slider 43 of the stopper mechanism 41 is returned to the
locked position shown in FIG. 8 by the urging force of the coil
spring 45. Accordingly, each stopper 50 is pressed down by the
urging force of the leaf spring 55, so that the stopper projection
52 engages the engaging groove 60 right under the same, thereby
preventing the plate 31 from being further drawn out. Thus, the
supporting plate 31 can be held in a desired drawn-out
position.
Then, the rear portion of the prepared computer 1 is set on the
supporting portion 21 of the casing 12, and the front portion of
the computer 1, which projects forward from the casing, is placed
on the front portion of the supporting plate 31. In doing this, the
opposite side faces of the rear portion of the computer 1 are
engaged individually with the respective root portions of the side
faces 22a of the projections 22 of the paired positioning members
20 which are provided at the supporting portion 21. Thus, the
computer 1 is positioned in the width direction with respect to the
casing 12. The rear face of the computer 1 is caused to abut
against the step portion 14a of the supporting portion 21, and the
portion 14a restrains the computer from moving rearward. If the
retaining portions 35 of the supporting plate 31 are not in
engagement with the front edge of the computer 1, in this state,
the plate 31 is pushed in toward the casing 12 so that the portions
35 engage the front edge of the computer 1, and is locked to the
retracted position by means of the stopper mechanism 41. Thus, the
forward movement of the computer 1 is restrained by means of the
pair of retaining portions 35. In consequence, the computer 1 is
mounted in position on the casing 12, as shown in FIG. 3.
The top wall 21a of the supporting portion 21, which bears the rear
portion of the computer 1 thereon, is situated higher in level than
the supporting plate 31, and declines to the front side. Therefore,
the computer 1, mounted on the casing 12 in the aforesaid manner,
declines forward, as indicated by two-dot chain line in FIG. 4.
Since the distance of draw-out of the supporting plate 31 can be
adjusted by stages according to the pitch P (see FIG. 9) of the
engaging grooves 60, various other types of compact electronic
devices 1, which have the same width A and different depths B, can
be mounted on the expanding apparatus in the same steps of
procedure as aforesaid. Thus, the expanding apparatus 11 is adapted
for use with a wide variety of compact electronic devices 1, that
is, for general-purpose application.
The connector 6 of the computer 1, mounted in position on the
expanding apparatus 11 following the aforementioned procedure, is
situated opposite to the apparatus-side connector or the connector
81 of the connector unit 71. In this state, the connector 81 is
connected to the connector 6. This connection can be achieved by
rocking the handle 76 of the unit 71 to the front side.
In the state before the connection, the handle 76 of the unit 71 is
inclined rearward, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 15, and the connector 81
is situated in its retreated position where its extreme end portion
is substantially flush with the step portion 14a of the casing 12.
When the handle 76 is rocked forward, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 16,
the slider 74 is pushed out forward along the guide slits 73 of the
connector holder 72. As this is done, the connector 81 is also
pushed out forward to reach its advanced position where it projects
into the supporting portion 21.
Accompanying this movement, the respective tip end portions of the
guide pins 90 are inserted into their corresponding holes 91 of the
connector 6 immediately before the connector 81 touches the
connector 6. Thereupon, the connector 81 can be accurately
positioned with respect to the connector 6 through the guidance of
the engagement between the pins 90 and the holes 91, even though
the position of the connector 6 relative to the connector 81 is
subject to some variation. The movement of the connector 81 based
on this guidance is allowed by the elastic deformation of the leaf
springs 82 and 83 and the coil spring 86 which support the
connector 81 floatingly.
When the slider 74 is further advanced while the connectors 6 and
81 being positioned with respect to each other, the extreme end
portion of the connector 81 is fitted into the connector 6.
Thereupon, only the slider 74 slightly advances, due to resistance
produced by the fitting operation, so that the respective rear
edges of the angular holes 87 of the slider abut against the pins
88. At this point of time, therefore, the moving force of the
slider 74 starts to be transmitted to the connector 81.
Accordingly, the connector 81 is pushed out forward to be smoothly
inserted into the connector 6 for connection. Thus, signals are
allowed to be transferred between the computer 1 and the expanding
apparatus 11. In this case, the guide pins 90 retreat against the
urging force of the coil spring 92 to avoid hindering the
connection between the connectors 6 and 81.
After the connectors 6 and 81 are connected in this manner, the
locking knob 99 of the unit 71 is moved in the direction of arrow H
of FIGS. 22 and 23, so that the one end portion 100a of the stopper
plate 100 is inserted into the one guide slit 73. As a result, the
handle 76 is prevented from rocking rearward, so that the
connectors 6 and 81 can be prevented from being unexpectedly
disconnected from each other.
The computer 1 can be removed from the expanding apparatus 11 by
inversely following the aforementioned processes of mounting
operation. In this case, a disengaging force starts to be
transmitted to the connector 81 through the engagement between the
pins 88 of the connector 6 and the respective V-shaped edges of the
angular holes 87 at the point of time when the edges abut against
their corresponding pins 88 as the handle 76 is rocked rearward to
retreat the slider 74.
In the operation to connect or disconnect the two connectors 6 and
81, only the connector 81 on the side of the expanding apparatus 11
must be moved, and the whole computer 1 need not be moved. Since
the connectors 6 and 81 have the numerous terminals 6a and 81a,
respectively, their connection and disconnection both require a
great force. In the arrangement of the present embodiment, however,
the total weight of the computer 1 cannot bear on the connectors
during the connection or disconnection, so that the connectors
receive only a small impact from the attachment or detachment work.
Thus, the connection and disconnection of the connectors do not
exert any substantial bad influences on the computer 1 or the
circuit components in the expanding apparatus 11, so that no
trouble can be caused thereby.
As described above, the computer 1 can be removed upward from the
expanding apparatus 11. Therefore, the computer 1 may possibly be
lifted without disconnecting the connectors 6 and 81. In such a
case, a great load acts on the fitting portion of the connector
unit 71.
However, the unit 71 is attached to the casing 12 by elastically
engaging the fitting hooks 94 on the lower surface of the base
plate 93 with the edge 18a of the fitting hole 18 of the casing. If
the disengaging force acts on the unit 71 as the computer 1 is
lifted in the aforesaid manner, therefore, the hooks 94 undergo
substantial elastic deformation to be disengaged from the edge 18a
of the hole 18 when the force attains a predetermined level. As a
result, the connector unit 71 is detached from the casing 12. Thus,
the connected connectors 6 and 81 cannot be subjected to an
overload, and can be prevented from being damaged.
The connector unit 71 has the cable protection cover 114 which is
attached to the lower surface of the base plate 93, and the signal
cable 95 extending from the connector 81 is led into the casing 12
through the inside of the cover 114 and the passage hole 116 in the
cover 114. In fitting the unit 71 to the fitting hole 18 of the
casing 12, therefore, the cover 114 can prevent the cable 95 from
being caught in between the fitting hooks 93 and the edge 18a of
the hole 18. Thus, the cable 95 can be securely prevented from
snapping.
Constructed in this manner, the function expanding apparatus 11 has
the following advantages.
In the expanding apparatus 11, the casing 12 is provided with the
supporting portion 21 on which the rear portion of the compact
electronic device 1 is placed, and the paired positioning members
20 for positioning the electronic device with respect to the width
direction are provided at the portion 21. Attached to the bottom
portion of the casing 12, moreover, is the drawable supporting
plate 31 whose draw-out distance can be varied depending on the
depth of the electronic device 1. Further, the upward retaining
portions 35 for retaining the front edge of the electronic device 1
are formed on the front portion of the plate 31. The position of
each retaining portion 35 can be aligned with the front edge
portion of each of various devices 1 with different depths, by
adjusting the distance of draw-out of the supporting plate 31.
Accordingly, the forward movement of the compact electronic device
1, which causes the connector 6 to be disengaged from the
apparatus-side connector 81, can be restrained, so that the
connectors can be prevented from being unexpectedly disconnected
from each other. Thus, various types of compact electronic devices
with different depths can be mounted on the expanding apparatus in
a manner such that their movement in the width and depth directions
is securely restrained. As a result, there may be provided a
function expanding apparatus which can be fitted with various
compact electronic devices, and enjoys a wide range of application
when it is off duty, moreover, the expanding apparatus can be made
compact as a whole by concealing the supporting plate 31 under the
bottom portion of the casing 12.
The connector unit 71 mounted on the casing 12 comprises the
connector holder 72 and the slider 74, which is attached to the
holder by means of the operating portion for reciprocation, and the
connector 81 on the side of the expanding apparatus 11 is attached
to the slider. According to this arrangement, the connector 81 can
be connected to or disconnected from the apparatus-side connector 6
by being reciprocated with respect to the compact electronic device
on the expanding apparatus 11 by means of the operating portion.
Thus, the connectors 6 and 81 can be easily connected to or
disconnected from each other without moving the whole electronic
device or manually operating the connector 81 itself. Moreover, the
attachment and detachment do not require any wide working space.
Furthermore, the impact on the connectors caused by the attachment
or detachment work can be reduced.
Since the connector 81 is floatingly supported by means of the leaf
springs 82 and 83, it can freely shift its position in a desired
direction after it is brought into contact with the connector 6
which is to be connected thereto. If the apparatus-side connector 6
is somewhat deviated vertically or crosswise with respect to the
connector 81, or if the angle of the connector 6 is more or less
shifted, the connector 81 can be smoothly aligned with the
connector 6 due to the floating structure. Thus, the two connectors
6 and 81 can be securely connected to each other by plug-in
connection, so that the expanding apparatus can be adapted for use
with various compact electronic devices.
The connector unit 71, which has the elastic fitting hooks 94
protruding from the lower surface of the connector holder 72, is
attached to the casing 12 by removably engaging the hooks 94 with
the edge of the fitting hole 18 of the casing. If the compact
electronic device 1 is lifted with the two connectors 6 and 81
connected with each other, therefore, the hooks 94 undergo elastic
deformation to be disengaged from the hole 18 of the casing 12, so
that the unit 71 is automatically removed from the casing, when the
disengaging force acting on the hooks 94 exceeds a predetermined
level. Thus, the connected connectors can be prevented from being
subjected to an overload.
In the embodiment described above, the operating portion for
reciprocating the connector 81 to connect to or disconnect it from
the connector 6 is not limited to the rocking handle 76, and may be
formed of a handle fixed to the connector 81. In this case, the
connectors 6 and 81 are connected or disconnected by reciprocating
the handle together with the connector 81. In the above embodiment,
moreover, the top wall 21a of the support block 21 is inclined so
that the compact electronic device 1 mounted on the expanding
apparatus 11 declines forward. Alternatively, however, the
electronic device 1 may be mounted substantially horizontally by
providing a pedestal portion in the vicinity of the retaining
portions 35 of the supporting plate 31 so that the pedestal portion
has substantially the same height as the top wall 21a.
Alternatively, moreover, only the retaining portions 35 may be
provided on the supporting plate 31 so as to be movable in the
depth direction of the casing 12. In this case, the supporting
plate 31 may be fixed to the casing or formed integrally
therewith.
FIGS. 24 to 28 show a function expanding apparatus according to a
second embodiment of the present invention. In the description of
the second embodiment to follow, the same portions as are used in
the first embodiment are designated by like reference numerals for
simplicity, and the detailed description thereof will be
omitted.
As shown in FIG. 24, the expanding apparatus comprises a supporting
portion 21 formed in front of a casing 12. A top wall 21a of the
supporting portion 21 is fitted with a pair of positioning members
20 for positioning a personal computer 1, for use as a compact
electronic device, with respect to the width direction. The
expanding apparatus further comprises a supporting plate 31 which
extends forward from the casing 12. A pair of retaining portions 35
are provided on the front end of the plate 31. They are adapted to
engage the the front edge of the computer 1 set on the supporting
portion 21 and the plate 31. In this embodiment, the supporting
plate 31 is immovably fixed to the casing 12. Alternatively, it may
be formed integrally with the casing 12.
As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the casing 12 has a compartment 118
which opens to a step portion 14a of a cover 14 through a shield
cover 17. A connector unit 71 is housed in the compartment 118. The
unit 71 includes a slider 74, substantially in the form of an
angular tube, and a connector 6 fixedly arranged in the slider so
that its extreme end portion projects forward from the slider. Two
leaf springs 120a and 120b are fixed to each of those portions of
the cover 17 which individually define the top and bottom faces of
the compartment 118. Each of these spring is U-shaped and extends
parallel to the step portion 14a. The slider 74 is supported in the
compartment 118 in a manner such that it is elastically held
between the springs 120a and 120b in the vertical direction.
Thus, the slider 74 is allowed to slide for a distance L1 (about 20
to 30 mm) in the depth direction of the casing 12 and for a
distance L2 (about 5 to 10 mm) in the width direction of the
casing, between the leaf springs 120a and 120b. By the elastic
deformation of the springs 120a and 120b, moreover, the slider 74
is allowed to move for a distance L3 (about 5 to 10 mm) in the
vertical direction.
A stopper 122, which extends substantially parallel to the leaf
springs 120a and 120b, protrudes from each of the respective rear
end portions of the upper and lower surfaces of the slider 74.
These stoppers 122 are adapted to engage their corresponding
springs 120a and 120b behind them, thereby preventing the slider 74
and a connector 81 from slipping out forward. A compression spring
124 is interposed between the rear face of the slider 74 and the
shield case 17, thereby urging the slider forward.
The computer 1 is mounted on the function expanding apparatus with
the aforementioned construction in the following manner.
First, the computer 1 is placed on the supporting portion 21 and
the supporting plate 31 of the apparatus. In doing this, the
respective rear portions of the two opposite side faces of the
computer 1 individually abut against projections 22 of the
positioning member 23, thereby positioning the computer crosswise
with respect to the casing 12. Further, the computer 1 is
positioned in the depth direction with respect to the retaining
portions 35 of the supporting plate 31. Thus, as shown in FIG. 27,
the computer 1 is mounted on the expanding apparatus 11 with its
front edge in engagement with the retaining portions 35.
As described above, the connector 81, along with the slider 74, is
moved vertically or in the width direction of the casing 12 so that
it accurately faces the connector 6 of the computer 1, which is
positioned in the width and depth directions with respect to the
casing. Thereafter, the connector 81, along with the slider 74, is
drawn out forward and plug-in-connected to the connector 6 of the
computer 1.
If the computer 1 mounted on the expanding apparatus has a
different depth B, e.g., shorter depth, the distance between the
rear face of the computer and the connector unit 71 is longer. In
this case, therefore, the connector 81 can be easily connected to
the connector 6 of the computer 1 by increasing the distance of
draw-out of the connector 81, as shown in FIG. 28.
According to the second embodiment arranged in this manner, the
connector 81 of the connector unit 71 provided on the expanding
apparatus is movable in substantially all directions, that is,
vertically and in the width and depth directions. If the expanding
apparatus is fitted with a compact electronic device of any other
type with a different depth, therefore, the connector 81 and a
connector of the electronic device can be easily connected to each
other by moving the connector 81 back and forth. Also, any compact
electronic device whose connector is mounted in a somewhat
different position can be easily mounted by moving the connector 81
vertically or from side to side. Thus, there may be provided a
function expanding apparatus which is applicable to various compact
electronic devices.
Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those
skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects
is not limited to the specific details, and representative devices,
shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may
be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general
inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
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